Ones to Watch: Leeshon Alexander

We Are Monster

When we first heard the synopsis to We Are Monster starring Leeshon Alexander, we sat up and took notice.

Visceral by its very definition, it follows the true life story of one of the many failings of a British institute when it placed a known violent racist in the same cell as a man of Asian descent. What happened next made national headlines and shook the country.

Zahid Mubarek was murdered by Robert Stewart on the March 21st, 2000 at Feltham Young Offenders Insitute. We Are Monster is the story of what happened and why.

After writing the screenplay, the burgeoning talent of Leeshon Alexander also stepped in front of the camera to portray the killer, Stewart. Ahead of We Are Monster‘s screening at the Edinburgh International Film Festival later this year, we talked to its star Leeshon Alexander about the film, his career and more.

We Are Monster

1. Hi Leeshon, how are you?

I’m good, busy but good. Especially good as this is my first interview and it’s much easier off camera!

 

2. Tell us a little bit about We Are Monster.

We Are Monster

It’s a psychological drama based around the true story of Robert Stewart and his murder of Zahid Mubarek back in 2000 at Feltham Young Offenders Institute.

 

3. What drew you to the project?

As an actor, first and foremost, it was a potentially incredible character to play but as with most real life stories I eventually got wrapped up in the case itself and the social ills, wrongs and injustices that make up the story and seemed to be there at every turn.

It’s hard not to get drawn into powerful real life dramas that can be analysed, scrutinised and philosophised over.

 

4. Did you think twice about approaching such a powerful subject matter?
We Are Monster

No! They’re the films I’m interested in making.

Don’t get me wrong, I love any good light entertainment, blockbusters or action films but I don’t think I could make a film unless it challenges me to think heavily about the subject matter. This story needs to be told and these institutions, if they are bad, need exposing as that’s where young adults who offend are being sent and they’re not getting rehabilitated.

It wasn’t working in 2000 and it’s not working now.

 

5. How did you approach the writing process? Was there anyone giving you guidance?

With a case like this…research, research and more research – you’re bound to miss something but you have to get the main facts correct or there’s no credibility. My father is a writer so he is always my first port of call for notes and thoughts.

The subject matter and historical events were there but it could have been just been a straight forward linear story which we didn’t want. Researching the psychological reports on the case were important to finding a potential angle from which to tell the story…which you’ll see in the film!

 

6. How was it working with Antony Petrou?
Leeshon Alexander

He’s become one of my best friends, he’s a great director and we have a very similar taste in movies. So it was good!

Perhaps odd to say considering the subject matter but I think the film looks strangely beautiful so he’s brilliant artistically and he’s also very good with actors.

 

7. We Are Monster will be shown at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Are you nervous about the reception?
We Are Monster

Instinctively yes like anyone who makes a film but rationally no as we made this in order to ask questions, provoke reactions and to make people think. It doesn’t pull any punches in terms of language and it is unashamedly artistic but it’s also powerfully entertaining enough that you don’t get bored if you’re not into your arty films.

Also, racism, which is a central theme of this movie, isn’t a light hearted subject and I think it would have been an insult to everyone that’s suffered racist abuse not to show how nasty and horrible it is, you can’t airbrush it. But we don’t make absolute judgements in the film we’re only presenting arguments, it’s ultimately up to the audience to make up their own minds.

 

8. Where would you like to take the film next?

I think films like this need the exposure from festivals so a sustained festival run would be nice!

 

9. Are you more interested in a career in front or behind the camera?

Definitely 100% in front of the camera.

I love writing and I’ve written and am writing other scripts but ultimately I write in order to act and to create great roles and stories to be involved in. I’m just an actor who happens to be able to write okay!

 

10. And finally, why should we watch We Are Monster?
We Are Monster

It’s a story that needs to be seen I think and given wider exposure, whilst it’s also a very original, powerful piece of cinema. It’s tough and uncompromising but if you like thought provoking cinema then I can assure you this will be VERY thought provoking!

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